Question 1

What does Psalms 106:17 mean?

Accepted Answer

Psalms 106:17 recalls a moment when the earth opened up and swallowed Dathan and covered the followers of Abiram, describing a dramatic act of judgment. The verse points to a specific event where certain people were punished for their rebellion. In this psalm, the writer is looking back on Israel’s history, reminding the people of a time when some among them challenged Moses’ leadership. Dathan and Abiram were leaders in this rebellion, and the earth swallowing them is a reference to a story from the book of Numbers. The verse uses this memory to highlight the seriousness of turning against God’s chosen leaders.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Psalms 106:17

Accepted Answer

earth (אֶרֶץ, ’erets): This word means "land" or "earth," and here it emphasizes that the ground itself was involved in the judgment, not just a symbolic event. opened (פָּתַח, patach): This word means "to open," showing that the earth physically split apart, which adds to the sense of a sudden, supernatural event. swallowed up (בָּלַע, bala‘): This word means "to swallow" or "devour," underlining the completeness of the judgment—Dathan and his followers were entirely consumed. company (עֵדָה, ‘edah): This word means "assembly" or "group," making it clear that it was not just the leaders but their whole group that was affected.

Question 3

Why Psalms 106:17 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse helps clear up that the judgment was not random or against outsiders, but specifically targeted those who rebelled from within the community. By naming Dathan and Abiram, the psalm connects the present audience to a well-known story, reminding them of the consequences of rebellion. The verse fits into the larger theme of Psalm 106, which is a confession of Israel’s repeated failures and God’s responses, serving as a warning and a lesson for future generations.

Psalms 106:17 (KJV)